Fred Wilpon bought a one-percent stake in the Mets in 1980, seven years after George Steinbrenner took over the Yankees. Wilpon eventually became the majority owner of the Mets, and over the years he watched his crosstown counterpart win four World Series titles and command headlines.

Steinbrenner’s next-to-last World Series championship came in 2000 against Wilpon’s Mets.

The Yankees won that series, four games to one, capping their string of four world championships in five seasons.

Yesterday, Wilpon, the Mets’ CEO, his son Jeff, the team’s COO, and president Saul Katz expressed their condolences upon Steinbrenner’s death:

“The passing of George Steinbrenner marks the end of an era in New York City baseball history,” their statement said. “George was a larger than life figure and a force in the industry.

“The rise and success of his teams on the field and in the business marketplace under his leadership are a testament to his skill, drive, and determination.

“All of us at the Mets send our deepest condolences to his wife Joan, his sons Hank and Hal, daughters Jennifer and Jessica, his grandchildren, and everyone at the Yankees organization.”